FAQ

Can I install the Aquios® system myself?

We recommend that you use a licensed plumber to perform the installation of your Aquios water treatment system. By using a licensed plumber, you will ensure that your system is installed correctly and will operate as it should. We do however provide installation instructions with every unit and, under typical circumstances, a normal installation should be able to be completed within two (2) to three (3) hours by a do-it-yourselfer.

Can the Aquios® system be installed sideways or horizontal?

No. The Aquios system must be installed vertically and at least 8 inches off the ground.

How much space is needed to install the Aquios® system?

Aquios® systems are compact and do not require a lot of space. For our standard 220 Series, you will want to allow for approximately 16-18" in width and 34" in height. For our jumbo series, which are our 234 and 236 Series, you will typically want to allow for 18-20" in width and 38" in height. This should provide enough room to allow for connections to be made to your existing water supply and for the sump to be removed when cartridge need to be changed.

Where can I find an installation manual?

We have a copy of our installation manual available under Customer Resources. You can also click here to view it.

General Information

Does the Aquios® system actually soften my water?

The Aquios® system is a salt-free system. We charge our carbon block filter with a natural polyphosphate known as Siliphos. Siliphos is a widely-trusted, FDA approved, food-grade material proven time and again to inhibit scale formation. Its ability to combat scale deposits is remarkable as it both lays down a protective layer on the walls of the supply piping and inhibits future calcium deposits. This polyphosphate reacts with soluble metals (iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, etc.) by sequestering (bind-up) the metals to maintain their solubility in water. This sequestering process minimizes the risk of discoloration, staining, scaling, taste/odor and other water quality complaints.
Because of its ability to provide a protective coating its even suitable for soft water supply pipes - inhibiting corrosion. Unlike salt-based systems, the minerals still exist in your water yet are unable to accumulate and form scale on your pipe, fixtures or appliances. In addition, there is no need to backflush or recharge the system and is an eco-friendly solution.

What is SILIPHOS

SILIPHOS is the trade-name for a polyphosphate additive used in water treatment systems. Siliphos greatly reduces scale deposits and will slowly reduce scale which has been deposited on your pipes and appliances. Siliphos reacts with soluble metals (iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, etc.) by sequestering (bind-up) the metals to maintain their solubility in water. This sequestering process minimizes the risk of discoloration, staining, scaling, taste/odor and other water quality issues. As a result, most scale-causing minerals pass through the systems instead of forming scale deposits on pipes, appliances and water heaters.
Siliphos not only inhibts scale, but it also stops corrosion. It utilizes the phenomenon that minute concentrations of polyphosphates are sufficient to inhibit the deposition of scale onto metallic surfaces. Because of its phosphate and silicate content Siliphos also inhibits corrosion by forming a thin protective layer on the metal surface.

Is Siliphos safe?

Yes. The polyphosphate we use in our cartridges is natural, food based and FDA approved. This same polyphosphate has been used in the commercial food service industry for several decades and is completely safe for drinking water, pets, plants and all types of landscaping.

Will the Aquios system eliminate the white scale build-up on my faucets, showerheads and fixtures?

The Aquios system is specifically designed to inhibit scale from developing while eliminating existing scale from faucets, pipes and water heaters. You should begin to see a noticeable improvement and reduction in scale build-up within weeks of installing the system.

Will the Aquios® system protect my water heater?

Scale build-up in water heaters not only significantly reduces operating efficiency and increases your energy cost, it also causes significant damage and is a leading cause of product failure. The Aquios® system inhibits the formation of hard water scale and doesn’t allow it to form inside your water heater or on heating coils. It is highly recommended for tankless heaters. By eliminating scale build-up in your water heater, you will improve its operating efficiency up to 30% and prolong its life expectancy while reducing your energy cost.

Does your system filter my water?

Yes. The Aquios® system utilizes carbon block technology to filter out up to chlorine odor and taste as well as sediment and other contaminants (such as dirt and rust). Depending on which Aquios system you select, your water will be filtered at either a 5 micron or 1 micron level and will also be able to remove items such as VOCs, chloramines and cysts.

What is carbon block technology?

Carbon block technology is a method of filtering that uses a piece of powdered block carbon to remove contaminants and impurities, utilizing chemical adsorption. Each piece of carbon is designed to provide a large section of surface area, in order to allow contaminants the most possible exposure to the filter media. This carbon is generally activated with a positive charge and is designed to attract negatively charged water contaminants. Carbon block filters are more effective at removing a larger number of contaminants, based upon the increased surface area of carbon versus granular activated filters. Carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. They are not effective at removing minerals, salts, and dissolved inorganic compounds.

What does VOC mean? What are VOCs?

VOC means Volatile Organic Compound. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include (1) chlorinated solvents and (2) fuel components. The most common VOCs that are found in drinking water are chlorinated solvents and fuel components. Chlorinated solvents are widely used in industry and in common household products. Some examples of these are spot removers, typing correction fluids, adhesives, automotive cleaners, inks, and wood furniture cleaners. Fuel components are chemicals that are found in products such as gasoline, kerosene, and heating oil.

What is the difference between a salt water softener and the Aquios system?

Great question! Salt water systems are very effective in removing the minerals in water that cause hard water. They use a process known as ionic exchange where salt is used to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. They also require significant ongoing maintenance, heavy bags of salt, electricity and are bad for the environment because of the salt water being flushed when the system is regenerated. The Aquios® salt free water softener and water filter system utilizes no salt, requires no maintenance, requires no electricity, provides 5 micron water filtration in addition to water conditioning, costs significantly less than most salt-based systems and doesn’t waste any water due to backflushing. You also won’t have the “slippery” or “slimy” feel that is the case with a salt water softener.

How long will the Aquios cartridge last?

Aquios® replacement cartridges are rated to last three to six months. This may vary however based on your existing water quality, water source and actual water usage. In order to ensure optimum performance of your Aquios® system, it is recommended that you change the standard filter cartridge at least every six months.

What type of warranty is provided?

All Aquios® salt free water softeners provides an industry leading 20 year warranty on the filter housing and valve. The warranty does not include filter cartridges. If your system is damaged or becomes inoperable as a result of a manufacturer defect, then we will gladly replace the unit or defective part at no cost. The cost for installation or any damage resulting from a defective unit is not included in our warranty terms and the warranty is void if the unit is damaged as a result of incorrect or poor installation. For a copy of our warranty, please contact customer care at 888.475.0343.

Do you offer a Money Back Guarantee?

Absolutely. Aquios® offers a 60-Day “No Questions Asked” guarantee on our salt free water softener systems. Try the Aquios system for 60 days at no risk. If after 60 days you aren’t convinced, we’ll issue a full refund of the original purchase price, less shipping and handling. Installation charges are not included with this guarantee. Our money back guarantee does not include cartridges.

How soon will I notice a difference?

The Aquios® salt free water softener and filter system begins to work immediately. Your will notice an improvement in your water quality and taste within 24-48 hours and an improvement in your water condition within several days. Depending on the hardness and quality of your water, it may take longer for the Aquios system to deliver significant results.

What makes the Aquios® water softener different than other salt free systems?

The Aquios® salt free water softener provides a number of benefits over other systems:
- Filters and conditions your water (removes chlorine, dirt, rust, and other particulate while also preventing calcium scale and iron stain)
- Removes lead*, chloramines, cysts and other particulate so you don't need an additional filtration system.
- Proven to remove existing scale over time.
- Prevents corrosion of pipes
- FDA approved
- Environmentally safe
- Compact, space saving design
- 20 year warranty
- Low maintenance, cartridge change every 3-6 months
* lead removal is based on a specific Aquios® cartridge and is not available on all systems.

Will the Aquios® system actually reduce my water hardness?

The Aquios® salt free water softener does not demineralize your water. That means that the hard water minerals (such as calcium and iron) currently in your water are not removed but are unable to bind together, attach to your pipes, fixtures, faucets, and appliances and create limescale. Traditional water softeners remove these essential minerals and replace them with salt. The result, if you perform a water test before installing the Aquios system and after installing the system, the water hardness typically will not change. What you will see however, is the elimination of both calcium and iron scale without the use of salt while also have clean filtered water.

How do polyphosphates prevent scale and remove existing scale?

The formation of scale on surfaces in residential and commercial water systems is due to the crystallization of carbonates or sulfates of magnesium or calcium from solution. Very low levels of polyphosphates interfere with crystal growth. This type of scale inhibition is referred to as a threshold property because it occurs at a level much lower than would be required for a stoichiometric reaction.
Threshold inhibition by polyphosphates of calcium and magnesium carbonate formation is particularly effective at a pH range of 8 to 10 where carbonate scale in water is a major problem. Calcium sulfate scale is often a problem at lower pH ranges. The same mechanism of scale inhibition that can occur with calcium carbonate at a high pH range can also occur with calcium sulfate at a lower pH range at similar low levels of phosphate addition.
Experience has shown that polyphosphates not only inhibit scale formation, but can also help remove existing hard deposited carbonate or sulfate scale. Pipes carrying water treated with polyphosphate for extended periods of time (several months) first show a gradual softening of the scale followed by disintegration and removal. The soft scale particles are deflocculated by the polyphosphate and carried away resulting in a clean piping system.

Will the Aquios® water softener prevent water spots?

Water spots are a result of dissolved solids and minerals left behind after water evaporates from a surface such as shower doors, faucets and sinks. When these deposits are not cleaned for a period of time, they combine with soap residue and other dirt to form water spot deposits. Since the water has already evaporated, the scale that forms is not a result of the water. Even adding a traditional salt based water softener will not prevent this since salt based water softeners leave sodium or potassium in the water, which will also leave water spots.
The Aquios® salt free water softener and water filter system will not entirely prevent water spotting. It will however, reduce the amount of cleaning required to remove them. It also will eliminate and prevent the hard water scale in your pipes and appliances (such as water heaters and washing machines), protecting them from the harmful effects of hard water.